But beyond its potential side effects in humans, oxybenzone has a negative impact on our ocean life. As in the past, all are chemical sunscreens, and the five picks all have oxybenzone. This ingredient works the same as oxybenzone … I’m in support of making sure these coral reefs prosper,” Council Member Don Guzman, who is also an attorney. The goal is to bring over-the-counter sunscreens up to date with the latest scientific standards and to have people in the industry share safety data on 12 active sunscreen ingredients (including oxybenzone) to help understand whether and to what extend each ingredient is absorbed into the body after it’s applied. You can follow her @giselewaymes on Twitter and Instagram or read her Linked-In profile for full bio details. Found in chemical sunscreens. (These reef-safe sunscreens don’t contain chemicals that are known to harm corals.). The chemical is destroying our oceans—and has even been detected in human breast milk and blood. It is … When she is not working, you'll find in her in a yoga class or active in the great outdoors. “It’s also found in plastics, toys, and some flowing plants,” she adds. SPF 30 blocks 97%. Octinoxate, or octyl methoxycinnamate (Figure 2), is a more recent sunscreen component. Concerns about oxybenzone were raised by scientists over a decade ago when the first research paper was published. If you're worried about chemical exposure, there is some common ground: both sides … The majority of these companies that market sunscreen products try to make people more aware of the SPF. When the algae die off, the corals turn white (referred to as bleaching). When used as a sunscreen active ingredient, oxybenzone protects the skin … IV Supplement Drips: Is it just a wellness fad, or the real deal? The American Academy of Dermatology continues to recommend sunscreens with oxybenzone. A 2013 economic review by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that Hawaii’s coral reefs earned the state more than $356 million annually in tourist revenue alone. Avobenzone is often used in replace of Oxybenzone, but is still a benzophenone and holds with it similar risks associated with Oxybenzone. … They argue that there is still not enough conclusive scientific evidence that sunscreen ingredients negatively impact coral reefs at levels detected in tourist areas. Recent headlines surrounding sunscreen have suggested that your go-to SPF may be linked to its own set of health problems. Indeed, key public officials in Hawaii have spent the better part of 2017 debating and lobbying for a ban on certain sunscreen brands. A CBS news broadcast in 2017 confirmed “researchers have found that oxybenzone, a UV filtering ingredient commonly found in lotions, harms the coral. Sugar And Sore Throats: What is the Link? Oxybenzone is one of the common active ingredients in sunscreens that are sold in the US. “Studies show that sunscreen with SPF 15 can block about 93% of all incoming UVB rays. Oxybenzone has been enemy No.1 in sunscreens for a while now. Mexoryl SX is a UV filter used in sunscreens and lotions … These images from a 2008 study show the impact of sunscreen on Acropora coral. Downs has also been quoted as saying that oxybenzone is toxic to the symbiotic algae that live within the coral. Are Meal Delivery Plans Worth Paying For When You’re on a Diet? Biologist Dr. Robert Richmond also told CBS News “You’re talking about a shot glass in a swimming pool. A very common ingredient in FDA approved chemical-based sunscreens. You can take these steps to protect yourself and your family: Avoid products containing oxybenzone, benzophenone-3, and retinyl palmitate if you’re concerned about potentially toxic... Use … While your chosen sunscreen brand probably does a fairly good job at protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, it may well be toxic to the environment. Oxybenzone, one of the most common ultraviolet-blocking chemicals in sunscreen, for example, can be detected in urine within 30 minutes of application. Experts break down what you need to know. Very interesting article – have referred it to friends & family for information – thank you! The EWG has been wary of oxybenzone for years: Way back in 2008, the organization asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the safety of oxybenzone use in sunscreen due to growing evidence that it could potentially disrupt the human hormone system. They end up being expensive and don’t offer more protection than SPF 50. Other than that, “it’s likely okay for occasional use in most adults,” she says. And thank you for raising the issue of “sunscreen abuse.”. The maximum plasma concentration of three tested ingredients (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene) also exceeded the threshold for seven days (three days after applying the sunscreen … The sun breaks down the ingredients in sunscreen that protect your skin. I appreciate you took the time to read my article and to comment. Already back in 2007 a study conducted by researchers at the University of Plymouth and published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that certain sunscreen products cause rapid and complete bleaching of hard corals even at very low concentrations. At the end of the day, the best sunscreen to use is the one you’ll stick to applying consistently. Betty White is 99: Her 8 Tips For A Long and Healthy Life, 4 Most Effective Ways Of Using Your Cross Trainer. The brown ones are untreated—healthy coral—while the white ones have been bleached by sunscreen. These invertebrate animals in turn support the algae gardens that photosynthesize food from sunlight. A 2015 study found oxybenzone in marine sediments located near wastewater facilities. A CNN broadcast back in 2012 already alluded to the dangers of oxybenzone and its use on the skin reporting; “Twenty-five percent of 800 tested screens are effective at protecting your skin without the use of potentially harmful ingredients,” according to the 2012 Sunscreen Guide released then by the Environmental Working Group. If you’ve been keeping up … Of the 12 ingredients the FDA is investigating, the one most often flagged as potentially worrisome is oxybenzone. The content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Oxybenzone is used in plastics as an ultraviolet light absorber and stabilizer. For more information on your medical condition and treatment options, speak to your healthcare professional. Unfortunately, the ingredient oxybenzone "is extremely common in chemical sunscreens," David Andrews, PhD, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), tells Health. According to various published media sources and respected scientific journals, even in tiny quantities, the ingredient oxybenzone can poison the algae that symbiotically support coral reefs in oceans. He argues the algae provide the coral with much-needed oxygen and help cart away the coral’s waste. And while it is agreed there are multiple factors at play contributing to decimation, reefs around the world need to be protected. Still, researchers have been concerned about oxybenzone in particular because it is absorbed through the skin in large amounts. His research showed that even a trace amount of oxybenzone is toxic to coral. They said tests along Maui’s shores had revealed more than enough oxybenzone and octinoxate to prove toxic to reefs. Upon return to ground … Oxybenzone absorbs UVB and UVA II rays, resulting in a photochemical excitation and absorption of energy. Prevention participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. I will keep tracking this story and hope in time I can get more input from you. Thank you for your comments. Daily Mineral Sunscreen. With summer just around the corner, you’ll soon be applying sunscreen and avoiding the sun's harmful UV rays. In the second half of 2017 Hawaiian state senator Will Espero and his supporters rallied to introduce a ban on products with oxybenzone. Sport Mineral Sunscreen. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved both oxybenzone for use in sunscreens. You can also protect yourself against the harmful effects of the sun, by wearing sun-protective clothing, always wearing a hat, and sitting under a good quality sun umbrella. Dr. Zeichner adds that if you are concerned about using sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or other questionable chemicals, he recommends using mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—they’re considered safe, work just as well, and are not known to harm oceans. Here Are 7 Natural Ways To Regrow Your Hair. Among the vast selection of sunscreen active ingredients, Oxybenzone is classified as a "chemical" sunscreen agent.Inadequate when used alone, Oxybenzone … We’re trying to fill the gap where the FDA has failed,” she told CNN at the time. The protective factors plateau from there. Known as physical or mineral filters, these ingredients work by creating a barrier and reflecting UV rays, rather than absorbing them. to pose extreme risks to other aquatic organisms like fish and other species of marine wildlife Oxybenzone is a “potential hormone disruptor,” Alan says. Clic, Cycling offers a wide range of mental and physical, Hair Loss? © 2021 Longevity LIVE. The EWG and FDA also flagged test results that show the following: The FDA is currently requesting studies of oxybenzone that measure skin absorption as well as potential impacts on hormone levels, reproduction, and development. Creams and lotions are more evenly distributed on the skin and therefore offer better protection. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: First Human Study Shows Reversal in Biology of Aging, 11 Healthy Things That Happen When You Stop Eating Red Meat, Travel On The Good At SALT of Palmar Mauritius. Gisèle is the owner of the Longevity brand and a self-proclaimed health hedonist. It is an absolute delight when a writer focuses the full power of investigative journalism skills, and provides a good historical context. Gisèle is passionate about health and sharing information. One can’t escape the perversity in this issue: That the very reason we wear sunscreen makes our sunscreen uniquely toxic to coral reefs and perhaps even the sustainability of ocean life. Along with sunscreen, oxybenzone can be found … Based on what we know today, I do not recommend people stop using oxybenzone-containing sunscreen as it effectively blocks skin cancer-causing UVA rays more fully than many other chemical blockers used in sunscreen.”. Experts recommend reapplying every two hours, or after swimming or heavy sweating. oxybenzone has been ending up in our oceans, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin. In order to protect your skin from the sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays, you know that applying and reapplying sunscreen is the best way to prevent serious health issues like skin cancer. The study documented that sunscreen killed coral by triggering an ordinarily dormant virus in their symbiotic algae. According to the Maui News report, multiple council members said they thought the scientific evidence was strong, but they wanted to make the bill as legally sound as possible. “The rest we simply don’t have enough evidence to know how safe they are,” Alan says. To ensure that we all contribute to protecting the environment, our long-term health, and that of our children and their children’s children. There are research reports suggesting oxybenzone may also be harmful to human health as it is an endocrine (hormone) disruptor in humans. “You don’t really need a high number. “So unless you are using one of those two, it’s a bit of a risk.”. The Environmental Working Group and other toxicology experts believe that oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer.”, However, the American Academy of Dermatology advised that oxybenzone is safe. Learn more about oxybenzone and sunscreen with SunSense today. A study in the International Journal of Andrology detected oxybenzone in 96 percent of the American urine samples it tested, and chemical UV-filters were detected in 85 percent of Swiss breast milk samples. Incidentally in May 2017, the same council passed a ban on the use of polystyrene containers popular with plate lunch places, effective from December 31, 2018. Oxybenzone works as a sunscreen by absorbing UV radiation, Alan says. This was affirmed in a 2008 study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspective and conducted by researchers from the Polytechnic University of the Marche in Ancona, Italy. Many sunscreen ingredients are readily absorbed through the skin. “At this point, if that’s what makes everybody feel comfortable with (the bill), then I’m for a little bit of postponement,” council member Elle Cochran told the Maui News, “But my office is going to work very hard to make sure we expedite it.”. They also cited Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and 4-methyl benzylidene camphor – which, like oxybenzone, absorb the sun’s rays – and butylparaben, a preservative, also destroyed coral reefs. Childhood obesity rates have risen all over the wo, Chronic pain is a big problem, but some foods coul, Our habits can play a large role in affecting the, Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but it appears that, The key to overcoming burnout is prevention. None of these studies are definitive, and the authors themselves call for more research. The prior study evaluated absorption of … “First thing they give up are things like reproduction and growth, and then it will eventually die,” Richmond said. After all, coral reefs contribute to air and soil quality, provide spawning grounds for many fish species, and protect coastlines from the worst effects of tropical storms. Mexoryl SX. Chemicals in some sunscreens that can harm marine life include: Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, nano-Titanium … During this process, a chemical reaction occurs and the sun’s UV rays are converted into heat and released from the skin. If oxybenzone in such small quantities can kill off our coral reefs, then what could it be doing to our own health? “I would feel more comfortable if we take the time to really present the evidence, build the right foundation and move forward with it just like we did with the Polystyrene bill.”. Keep in mind, SPF protects only against UVB rays.”. Some would argue that chemicals like oxybenzone appear to be a more alarming and direct danger to coral. “It is very misleading to put high SPF numbers on labels because it gives consumers a false sense of security and doesn’t offer a lot more protection,” Leiba added. To make the watchdog group’s safe list, sunscreens must be free of oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate (a type of vitamin A), not have SPF above 50, and protect against UVA and UVB sun rays. “The results are slightly better than previous years, but it continues to surprise us that we can recommend such few products,” Nneka Leiba, an Environmental Working Group senior analyst, told CNN. SPF 50 blocks 98%. This chemical is widely used in sunscreens … You can take these steps to protect yourself and your family: Of course, you can help lobby for change through your local authorities and share articles and information with family and friends on this issue. Dec. 31, 2020. Active ingredients in sunscreens come in two forms, mineral and chemical filters. With less oxygen and more waste, the coral struggles to survive. Had the ban been successful in 2017, it could have far-reaching consequences for the long-term sales of many sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens, which are absorbed into the skin, usually do (sometimes listed as benzophenone-3) and they are the ones that Hawaii is considering banning. What’s more, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and slathering on the SPF is the best way to keep it out of your future. Kids Mineral Sunscreen. It’s important to ensure you apply a good cover over your skin and that you reapply sunscreen often. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to … Oxybenzone is an organic compound that is a benzophenone derivative, explains Jamie Alan, PhD, an assistant professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. In the same media report, Dr. Ariel Ostad, a clinical assistant professor in the department of dermatology at New York University Medical Center who was not affiliated with the Environmental Working Group, was quoted as saying “Evidence has shown the best sunscreens are the ones that block UVB and UVA. It is therefore not surprising that cosmetic companies directly affected by the proposed ban lodged their opposition. It is used, along with other benzophenones, in sunscreens, hair sprays, and cosmetics because they help prevent potential … A number of studies have demonstraated that oxybenzone and octinoxate can increase the levels of oestrogen in mice and rats .However, any hormonal effects in humans seem to be within the first few hours of application and disappear thereafter, even with prolonged daily use [3].. The Environmental Working Group reported at the time that “56% of beach and sports sunscreens contain the chemical oxybenzone. Baby Sunscreen. They form nurseries for roughly a quarter of the world’s fisheries, and more than a billion people depend on reefs for their livelihoods. These are the kinds of levels where things began to have action,” Richmond said. Got Zoom Fatigue? Why trust us? told Maui News. What's the best way to boost your immune system? The EWG also flagged the following: All of these ingredients are in a “gray zone” for safety, along with oxybenzone, Alan says. FDA scientists authored a paper focusing on four ingredients found in sunscreen into the skin, including oxybenzone, and concluded that absorption of sunscreen into the body may be more … This suggests that our sunscreen kills coral reefs without a human ever setting foot – or flipper – near them. Oxybenzone is a benzophenone derivative used as a sunscreen agent. Oxybenzone isn’t the only popular chemical sunscreen ingredient that’s considered questionable. One example: A rat study analyzed the effects of really high doses of oxybenzone—much higher doses than you would use when you apply sunscreen. Some suggest the management of nearshore waters is regulated and compounded by the fact that the federal commerce clause prevents states from interfering with interstate commerce. FDA has approved the use of oxybenzone as an active ingredient in sunscreens as safe and effective in concentrations of up to 6%. It’s one of several chemical sunscreen ingredients that could do you much more harm than good. Hawaii’s law banning the sale of over-the-counter sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in order to protect Hawaii’s marine environment goes into effect on Friday, … They found that oxybenzone wasn’t the only ingredient in sunscreen that harmed reefs. “UV light is the number one cause of skin cancer, which is largely preventable with sunscreen and sun protective behavior. When you flush the toilet or wash off sunscreen … Goddess Garden – Daily Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin. Check out our favorite derm-approved, coral-friendly options below: Here’s What Sugar Really Does to Your Brain, Keep Your Kids Safe With These Gentle Sunscreens, The Best Natural Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+, Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50, MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. While the ban appears only to be led by Hawaii activists at this stage, it has implications across the globe. Good article! “I’m in support of this bill. But some environmental and health groups single out oxybenzone as … Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two of the most popular ingredients in chemical sunscreens ― that is, sunscreens that use chemicals as the active ingredient. Mineral sunscreens, which usually contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, work differently—they physically reflect the sun’s rays. “Oxybenzone is one of the few FDA-approved ingredients that provides effective broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation, and has been approved for use since 1978,” said Dr. Daniel M. Siegel, president of the academy. “We have some evidence that it disrupts hormones in animals, but the studies are not directly comparable to humans for a number of reasons,” she says. Oxybenzone is a widely-used chemical in sunscreens that has been linked to potential health and environmental impacts. What Is Oxybenzone and Why Is it in Sunscreen? Espero cited research published in the public domain to date, as well as a more recent paper published in 2015, in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology led by Craig Downs, executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Clifford, Virginia. Thank you for taking time to read this article and for sharing it Lois. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Transform Your Abs AND Arms With This Workout, The Most Googled Health Symptoms in Every State, Simple Self-Care Tasks That'll Change Your Life, Call Your Doctor If You Have Any of These Symptoms, 10 Exercises That Show Results After One Workout. The primary function of oxybenzone is to absorb ultraviolet light, but some research shows oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin. Thank you! It’s not new and yet the debate and the damage still continue. Why? The research was not new. As you have expertise in this area, your feedback is valued. Health Effects Of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Oxybenzone in a commercial sunscreen formulation can transfer from the lotion or spray into the body, and be detected in urine within 30 minutes to several hours of application 12,13. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 97% of Americans are contaminated with oxybenzone. However, “we don’t know yet if it’s clinically significant,” Alan says. The Food and Drug Administration has approved oxybenzone in sunscreen for use on children older than 6 months.”. Which Lifestyle Changes Are Best To Improve Longevity? As oxybenzone is most well-known for its UV absorption, it should come as no surprise that the chemical is most often found in sunscreen. Most of us are probably unaware that the residue left in the water from the sunscreen on our skin is contributing to the destruction of an already pressured ocean ecosystem. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) is an emerging human and environmental contaminant used in sunscreens and personal care products to help minimize the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. And it’s not just limited to bathing. “I’d like to see Hawaii take the lead and make certain that we do all we can to protect our ocean environment,” Espero told CBS News. It has been detected in human breast milk, amniotic fluid, urine, and blood. Since the report in 2012, the FDA’s position remains unchanged. He also informs that oxybenzone is more toxic to plants when those plants are exposed to sunlight. A product with SPF 100+ blocks about 99.1 percent of the UVB rays,” Ostad said. You're not the only one. “Despite reports that oxybenzone disrupts hormones and causes cancer, we have no data to prove that real world use of sunscreens with oxybenzone is harmful to our health,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. On November 13th in 2017, the bill passed out of the Infrastructure and Environmental Management Committee. The FDA says it is safe. Click. That’s why Hawaii’s governor signed a bill into law last July that banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone (as well as another chemical called octinoxate). Not all sunscreens contain oxybenzone. Leiba was still resolute in the Working Group’s position; “We will continue to push for better options every year. The FDA recently issued a proposed rule to update regulations for most sunscreen products in the U.S. The brand in question contains a UV filtering ingredient called oxybenzone. Oxybenzone body … This process provides 90% of the coral’s food. This means it may interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates biological processes like metabolism, growth and development, sexual function and reproduction, thyroid function, and more. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) maintains that you should use sunscreen (including sunscreen with oxybenzone), and that it’s still considered safe to use when it comes to human health. Oxybenzone absorbs light in the UV-B (280–315 nm) and short-wavelength UV-A (315–355 nm) ranges. As of now, there are only two sunscreen ingredients that are considered “safe” by the FDA and EWG: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Oxybenzone is a sunscreen ingredient associated with photoallergic reactions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that oxybenzone and other chemicals filters in sunscreen can damage coral, cause reproductive issues in fish, damage sea urchins, and accumulate in the tissues of dolphins. Here, experts explain its potential health impacts—and whether you should ditch the ingredient for good. Children may be more vulnerable to harm from oxybenzone than adults because of the potential for higher absorption. It is our collective responsibility to hold legislators and manufacturers to account. Longevity is owned by World of Longevity LLC, USA. Of all of the sunscreen ingredients, oxybenzone is known to be the most common cause of contact allergies; a 10-year study found that 70% of people had a positive patch test when exposed. The legal issues surrounding the proposed ban appear to be more complex. This can cause everything from development delays to poor reproductive health. The Environmental Working Group said consumers should not purchase a sunscreen with SPF greater than 50. Coral reefs are some of the world’s most productive ecosystems. Oxybenzone has also been found to mimic oestrogen in cellular studies, while butylparaben, which is present in a host of cosmetics, in addition to sunscreen, has been linked to endocrine disruption. Taking a responsible approach to how much time you spend directly under the sun can prevent sun damage. Concerns About Oxybenzone. Up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen wind up in coral reef areas of the ocean every year, and scientists say that contributes to the ecosystem’s damage.”. In particular, people have repeatedly freaked out about oxybenzone, a “widely-used” chemical found in two-thirds of the products analyzed for The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2019 sunscreen guide. Coral is under threat from a number of environmental factors such as acidification and warming of the oceans. According to a report in the Maui News, two experts on coral reefs and toxicology also confirmed the chemicals could lower reef tolerance to bleaching and interrupt the development of marine life. They work by absorbing the sun’s rays. Did you catch the @goldenglobes this past weekend? This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. Chemical sunscreens … The problem? Both oxybenzone … Use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and a maximum of SPF 50; Make sure labels list UVA and UVB (or broad spectrum protection); Choose cream preparation rather than spray sunscreen. On top of that, oxybenzone has been ending up in our oceans—harming and killing corals in the process. However, in February 2018 council members voted to postpone a decision on the bill. Hawaii is the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, ushering in a new era of reef safe sunscreen.The new law goes into effect … My Breast Implants Made Me Sick – Real Life Story, How to Prevent Signs of Aging around the Eyes Naturally, 10 Ways To Eat Well And Reduce Your Carbon Footprint, Mouth Bacteria May Cause Arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease, The Doctors Challenging The Great Cholesterol Myth. Uses. SPF (sun protection factor) works by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. * An active chemical sunscreen ingredient * Also known as Benzophenone-3 Functions: Oxybenzone primarily functions as a photostabilizer and sunscreen. What is indisputable is that reefs are critical to ocean life. However, you definitely want to avoid using sunscreens with oxybenzone in infants and very young children, Alan says. This study evaluated absorption of the active ingredients avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate. Oxybenzone is allergenic and has relatively high rates of skin reactions.